Letters to the Editor: EPA and Engines
img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>After so many articles have been written about the new EPA Engines, it is difficult to know who to believe. One thing is for sure, the consumer is going to pay for the R&D costs that are being passed on by the engine companies.
The one thing that I do not grasp is that the EPA is telling one engine manufacturer that it is okay to pollute the air but we are going to fine you. Wasn't the intent of the EPA Rule to reduce the air pollution? How is paying a fine going to make the air we breathe cleaner?
Would it not be the same if a sign was posted below our speed limit signs stating “It is OK to speed, but we are going to fine you”?
I>Palm City, Fla.
au Claire, Wis.
I question both the validity and intent of comments made by Schneider National employees pertaining to the [Mercedes-Benz]MBE4000 Class 8 truck engine ("TL Leader Tests Engines; Gives None Passing Grade," 8-26).
I would assume that Schneider, as an industry leader, would perform enough due diligence to develop a justifiable opinion on a product. A single test of 150,000 miles as stated in the article is insufficient data to form an opinion on anything.
I believe the reality of the situation is that Detroit Diesel has chosen to market the [Mercedes-Benz] engine as a vocational [rather than long-haul] engine and that Schneider is a willing participant in the strategy. It falls in line with both companies' positions on the consent decree.
Here are some facts:
he MBE4000 is actually 0.1 liter larger than the Detroit Series 60 in displacement.
The MBE4000 has a better torque curve, lighter weight and is smaller in size than a Series 60.
The horsepower-to-weight ratio is better on the MBE.
A form of the engine has been used for quite some time in Europe.
MBE is not subject to emissions controls until 2004.
We have over 40 MBE4000 engines in service with our customers, some of them as long as 18 months and as many as 300,000 miles. Performance has been excellent, fuel economy excellent and reliability excellent. We have seen reorders in every case.
While I cannot predict the future, the actual early results with this product paint a completely different picture than Schneider and Detroit Diesel stated in their article.
I understand Detroit's desire not to hurt their own proprietary product [Series 60], but that doesn't mean we should overlook the facts.
ompanies in leadership roles should be held accountable when their political agendas cloud their vision.
John S. Taft
I>Sales Manager
iver States Freightliner
This article appears in the Sept. 30 print edition of Transport Topics. .